There are certain whiskies that bring you straight back into the room, no matter where your head is. A young, cask strength Islay single malt is the definition of this experience. Recently, I opened the Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength from the 2021 special release series, a bottle I acquired for a shockingly low price. It is a perfect example of a whisky that is both phenomenal in the glass and a cautionary tale about modern industry pricing.
What makes this style of whisky so special is its honesty. It is true to form: 12 years old, matured primarily in refill ex-bourbon casks, and bottled at a formidable 56.5% ABV without chill filtration or added colour. It is the unvarnished, powerful soul of the distillery. While many associate Lagavulin with sherry casks, this expression showcases the spirit’s core character, a profile I believe every distillery should offer as a benchmark of their house style.
The experience is nothing short of incredible. On the nose, it’s like walking along a beach as a storm rolls in, with aromas of abandoned bonfires, grilled meats, and tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. This is all wrapped in a complex, ashy smoke layered with cigar leaf and herbs.
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The palate is just as dynamic. It starts with a surprising nutty dryness before an oily, chewy texture takes over. As it develops, a storm of smoke rolls across the tongue, delivering salty, sweet, and ashy notes that last for an unbelievable length of time, leaving a final, pleasant hint of soft tobacco.
Herein lies the conflict. This is a genuinely fantastic bottle of whisky, but its original retail price was around £160. Driven by market speculation and corporate greed, this price is simply unjustifiable for a 12 year old core release. I was only able to purchase it because retailers, struggling to move old stock, slashed the price to £50. At that price, it feels like a bargain from a decade ago and is an easy contender for whisky of the year. At its intended price, it is a hard pass.
This Lagavulin 12 is a reminder that while the quality of the liquid can be exceptional, its value is a completely different conversation. It stands as a testament to the pure, intense joy of Islay whisky, but also as a symbol of a market that has, at times, lost its way. What are your thoughts on how price affects a whisky’s worth?
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For a more detailed breakdown and to see the whisky for yourself, you can watch my full video.
